Updated on January 9, 2024

·

Created on August 27, 2015

HappyTap

Upcoming Update

The HappyTap is a multi-purpose, mass-produced hand-washing station.

Developed By
  1. WaterSHED
Tested By
  • Emory University
  • TRANSFORM
  • WaterSHED
Content Partners
Unknown

Author

Product Description

The HappyTap (also dubbed as the LaBobo ) is a purpose-built, mass-produced and attractive hand-washing station designed for low-income settings. HappyTap Co. is a social business operating in South and Southeast Asia that designs, manufactures, and sells the HappyTap.

The product was previously developed by WaterSHED through a rigorous design and testing phase. The concept was originally conceived through the World Bank Water & Sanitation Programme’s Global Handwashing Initiative.

Target SDGs

SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

Target Users (Target Impact Group)

Household, Public Sector Agencies

Distributors / Implementing Organizations

The product is implemented by WaterSHED Asia.

Competitive Landscape

Direct competitors include EaziWash Station, PedalTap, and TippyTap.

Manufacturing/Building Method

The product is locally manufactured and assembled across its operating entities in Vietnam, Bangladesh and Cambodia.  

Intellectural Property Type

Trade Secret

User Provision Model

Users can obtain the product from HappyTap's national distributors across Singapore, Bangladesh, Cambodia and Vietnam. Contact details are available on the manufacturer's website.

Distributions to Date Status

As of February 2014, 100 units were sold.

Material

Plastic

Activation mechanism

Handle

Soap container built-in (yes/no)

Yes

Water volume per use (L)

Unknown

Design Specifications

The HappyTap has a spout that sprays out with many nozzles for efficient distribution of water over a wide surface, and the friction of rubbing and use of soap under the nozzle spray is good enough to sufficiently clean hands. A tray at the base of the HappyTap catches the used water with no spillage. There are two main models for South Asia and Southeast Asia.  

Product Schematics

Technical Support

The HappyTap Co. team can be contacted for technical support.

Replacement Components

Unknown

Lifecycle

Unknown

Manufacturer Specified Performance Parameters

Manufacturer specified performance targets include:

  • Effective: Referenced by WHO & UNICEF for COVID-19 response
  • Portable: Place exactly where needed for washing at critical times in homes, schools, health clinics, quarantine sites, etc.
  • Water-efficient: Low-flow tap and 15L tank allows for 50-70 uses per fill
  • Durable: Food-grade material; built to last under tough usage conditions
  • Convenient: award-winning, research-based design incorporates ’nudges’ to promote consistent handwashing and habit formation
  • Social mission: Building a market for sustainable access to handwashing; income is reinvested promote handwashing in low-income countries

Vetted Performance Status

WaterSHED and Center for Global Safe Water, Sanitation and Hygiene at Emory University investigated the effectiveness of the HappyTap in hospitals and found that the product was functional and in regular use. TRANSFORM also carried out an investigation to develop and test disruptive market-based solutions for handwashing in the Bangladesh rural market. The response from mothers, caregivers, and teachers was overwhelmingly positive, signalling HappyTap’s potential to tackle one of the most stubborn public health problems in a key Base-of-Pyramid consumer market.  

Safety

No known safety hazards are related to this product.

Complementary Technical Systems

Soap is to be provided separately.

Academic Research and References

Compliance with regulations

The design has been adapted and adjusted to local standards. Applicable international standards are unknown.

Evaluation methods

The product is evaluated by the manufacturer and third parties for its human-centered design to maximize impact.

Other Information

A video of HappyTap: How it's made

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